Stuck on the Bench: Common Basketball Injuries

Author: Jarad Brisbin, PT, DPT, CAFS at the Spooner Sports Institute

In sport and in daily life, it is impossible to entirely prevent injuries, as there are too many variables outside of our control.  However, it is important to control the variables that we can because when ignored they can lead to injury or athlete breakdown. Proper sleep and recovery, balanced and intentional nutrition, as well as a properly periodized strength and conditioning program can help reduce the likelihood of injury. It is equally important to find a physical therapist or athletic trainer that you trust to address the minor injuries, aches, and pains that you experience throughout the season and to not let those issues linger so they become more serious. Preventative care combined with regular soft tissue and mobility work are often an athletes best secret weapon.

Even with proper prevention techniques, there is always a risk of injury. However, the biggest problems occur when seemingly minor injuries are not properly addressed and they become more substantial, major problems. It is imperative that when injury does occur, we consider why that injury has occurred. Was there a minor concern that was ignored? Was there a muscle group lacking the proper training to take on the required load? How can we help the athlete address these needs to decrease their chance of a future injury and elevate their performance?

Let’s take a look at some common injuries that we see when working with basketball players.

Ankle Sprains

Chances are we have all sustained one in our life, but did you restore all your strength, mobility, and balance in the injured ankle?

Following an ankle sprain, I recommend that you consult with a physical therapist and/or  athletic trainer right away to triage and determine the severity of the sprain.  These sports medicine professionals will be able to educate you, determine if an X-RAY is indicated to rule out fracture, initiate rehabilitation, and direct you to an orthopedic physician, if needed.

In most cases it is safe to start physical therapy right away. Modalities can be used for pain management, manual techniques can facilitate and maintain joint and soft tissue mobility, and progressive loading can be implemented to restore the involved lower extremity’s strength, balance, and mobility.  Proper progression while respecting tissue healing is ultimately the key to a successful return to your prior level of function.

Low Back Pain

Too often the most common reaction to low back pain is “I need to strengthen my core.” This may be true, however it is important to understand how other parts of the body are also affecting and/or causing the pain the athlete is experiencing. Some common causes of low back pain in basketball players is decrease thoracic (think mid back) spine mobility, decrease hip external and/or internal rotation, decreased core stability, and tightness in the hip flexors. Addressing the other impairments, along with the low back pain, will help improve overall function and decrease pain.

Knee pain may be one of the most common musculoskeletal issues in a basketball player.  when addressing knee pain, it is important to treat the cause, not just the symptom.  Common causes of knee pain actually arise from the hip and ankle/foot.  Mobility deficits can cause muscle imbalances through the lower extremities resulting in excessive forces being placed on the knee.  Addressing mobility deficits can be done through the right dosage of mobility training, strengthening, and improving stability to restore muscle synergy in lower extremity musculature.  This will help dissipate excessive forces being placed on the knee resulting in decreased pain.

Although these are the most common musculoskeletal issues seen in basketball players, the strategy taken to resolve dysfunction can be different for each individual and each patient will require a unique plan of care that will efficiently and effectively get them back to the court at full strength.  It is important that you consult a physical therapist or athletic trainer for proper guidance and an exercise plan specific to your individual needs in order to take care of any pain or dysfunction you experience on or off the court.  A Spooner physical therapist can determine if and when you need further assessment or imaging and will help connect you to the appropriate orthopedic physician for further evaluation.